Apply to Engineer Principal, DeltaV Automation - (JP14069)

Job Title: Engineer Principal, DeltaV Automation - (JP14069)
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA. 91320
Employment Type: Contract
Business Unit: Advanced Technology and Automation
Duration: 3 years (with likely extensions and/or conversion to permanent)
Posting Date: 05/08/2025
Pay Rate: $90 - $100/hour on W2 (DOE) with Benefits
Notes: Only qualified candidates need apply. Onsite, 5 days per week, regular business hours (8:30 AM - 5:30 PM) NO RELOCATION. On-call requirement: Minimal (rotational approximately every 7 weeks; typically 1-hour calls weekly)

3 Key Consulting is hiring an Engineer Principal, DeltaV Automation for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.

Job Description:
The ideal candidate for the Principal Automation Engineer (Delta V) role:

Extensive expertise in Delta V batch control systems, with a minimum of 4–5 years of direct, hands-on Delta V experience specifically in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
Demonstrate proficiency in coding, troubleshooting, and addressing complex alarms or system issues in Delta V.
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (Chemical, Electrical, Automation Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics, or similar technical field). Substantial practical Delta V experience can outweigh formal educational qualifications.
Strategic mindset, excellent troubleshooting skills, and strong interpersonal capabilities are crucial, as the role involves frequent collaboration across various teams.
Experience in PLC systems and Delta V system administration is beneficial but not mandatory.
Must show a track record of stability in their previous employment, with demonstrated capacity for maintaining long-term roles.

Job Details:

Lead teams in the development of drug delivery devices. Scope includes a wide range of devices, such as; needle protection systems, fluid transfer devices, pen injectors, automatic pen injectors, and micro-infuser delivery pump systems.
Lead technical teams to ensure successful device development of these mechanical and electro-mechanical medical devices.
Work closely with team members to develop detailed engineering specifications, device design & development, support verification, validation, and regulatory submissions of these devices.
Work within a cross-functional organization to utilize technologies and methodologies that support short-cycle robust device development.

Why is the Position Open?
Supplement additional workload on team.

Top Must Have Skills:

Emerson Delta-V DCS system with batch control and recipe management
System Integration using OPC, Profibus, EIP, WIOC, and DeviceNet technologies.
DeltaV Virtual infrastructure configuration, management, and troubleshooting

Day to Day Responsibilities:

Develop and maintain process control automation solutions using DeltaV Distributed Control System (DCS).
Lead or support technical root cause analysis, incident investigations, and troubleshooting on process control issues related to plant operations.
Lead or support new technology introductions (NTI) and new product introductions (NPI) by performing automation engineering assessments, implementing automation system configuration changes, and supporting engineering and process qualification runs as needed.
Identify and implement continuous improvement projects that align with client initiatives around Safety, Reliability, Efficiency and Environmental sustainability.
Maintain automation system health and resiliency via cybersecurity, data integrity, and preventative maintenance in alignment with the latest client and industry standards
Align and standardize code implementation within the DSS plant network.
On-site production support during normal business hours and on-call support after hours
Refining or creating business process improvements including departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Work cross-functionally with individuals and project teams in Marketing, Operations, and Development
Create and assess product requirements to determine technical coverage and proper integration different subsystems.
Create and execute to project plans and schedules
Develop, execute, and review architecture documents, design documents, specifications, development plans, characterization plan, verification and validation plans and other related product development documents for assigned projects.
Provide deep technical assistance for junior engineers.

Basic Qualifications:

Doctorate degree and 3 years of experience OR Masters degree and 5 years of experience OR Bachelors degree and 7 years of experience OR Associates degree and 12 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 14 years of experience

BS in Engineering and previous experience in a medical device industry
10 years current experience with engineering processes and procedures.
Led projects from development through the 510k and PMA approval process.
Strong background in engineering and commercialization of electro-mechanical medical devices.
Experience with material & test specs generation, protocol & report writing, process & test development, prototyping, design verification, DOE/SPC process optimization & validation (IQ, OQ, PQ), FMEA.
Product design/development (design control) from concept to post product launch for Europe (EMEA/CE Mark) & US (FDA/PMA/510k) submissions.
Experience in drug/device combination product design and development
Familiar with the following standards:
- Quality System Regulation 21CFR820
- Risk Management ISO 14971
- EU Medical Device requirements
- Council Directive 93/42/EEC
- Medical Electrical Equipment
- EN 60601
Small scale device assembly experience.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Strong problem solving, risk assessment, and risk management skills.
Must be capable of working on multiple projects in a deadline driven environment.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Qualified candidates with either a strong Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, OR Systems/Software Engineering background need apply and will be considered!!!

Red Flags:

Lack of Delta V experience (immediate disqualification)
Candidates requiring sponsorship (possible but less preferred)
History of frequent short-term roles indicating instability or inability to maintain employment

Interview process:
Panel interviews with current team and adjacent senior managers.

We invite qualified candidates to send your resume to resumes@3keyconsulting.com. If you decide that you’re not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our website www.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.